Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1887-04-07
TT. G.. DAVIS, OPINION
OF Mr.. CAMDEN AND THE SENATORIAL
QUESTION.
an Estimate Of Mr.. Camden from Disinter-
ested Party ,cho Kno,cs That he is
Writing about. III Case Of
No Election Ice lCW
Hare bit One Senator.

No Election ice lcH
Hare but One Senator.
PIEDMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, March Is.
To the Editor Of tie Wheeling Register.
As the best way to answer numerous in
uuiries, both personal and by letter, asking
my views on what is called the Senatorial
Contest" in West Virginia, | ask the cour-
tesy of brief space in your paper.
| believe that, in the consideration of all
questions, the welfare of the people of the
State, which includes the development
of its great resources, should be given the
preference over and above advantage or dis
advantage that might accrue to individuals
or parties. The greatest resources of wealth
in West Virginia are her large and valua-
BILE deposits of COAL iron ore and her timber.
Unless these articles and her manufactures
are protected, by proper and reasonable
tariff and are given an outlet to the worlds
markets by railroads, they are practically
valueess. 1t is admitted by great major
ity of the people, of all parties, that Mr..
Camden's views, acts and votes, on the ques
tons of the tariff finance, and the develop
ment of the State by railroads, have been
in the direction of the best interests of the
| y,
cially West Virginia, owes Camden debt
for what is known as his Long and Short
Haul Amendment" to the Inter State
Commerce Act" West Virginia has less
railroads and more mineral resources than
States that surround us. Capital Is timid
and cautious and will not go where legisla-
ton and people are unfrlendly. Camden
has brought two or three millions OF dollars
into the State, which have been invested in
railroads, and scattered among the people,
not only developing the State and its re-
sources, but helping to pay the taxes. On
the other hand, it Is generally believed and
admitted that the Democrats who aie Oppo-
sing Camden sympathize with, and some OF
them act with those who advocate what Is
known as free trade" and do nothing to
aid railroad and other Improvements. Thus
a square issue is made between the moder-
ate tariff men, in favor of improvements,
and the free traders and anti-improve
ment men. As to which side represents the
best and truest interests of the State, there
ought to be no question. believe the State
should be represented in the United States
Senate by liberal, progressive Democrat.
! No free government nor successful party or
ganization can last long except it be based
upon the principle that the majority must
rule. The Democrats have a majority of
the Legislature and they have Il right to
name the man they want for Senator or for
any Office in their power 10 fill, and having
named him, he is entitled to the partys sup
port. One of the questions 1T issue is -
shall three fOurths of the Democratic mem
bers of the Legislature have their choice of
a Senator, or shall one-fourth select the man?
| believe in properly protecting the minori-
ty, but in all things that constitute a body
polite or corporate, whether in business,
politics, Church or State, it is and should be
the universal law or custom that the ma or
ity must rule What would have been said
by the opponents of Senator Camden if the
situation had been reversed and those now
| in the minority had constituted majority?
John Randolph and Henry Clay were Bit
ter personal enemies. Clay was a candidate
for Speaker, and though strongly opposed
by Randolph in the caucus, secured the nom
ination. Randolph, however, voted for him
after he was nominated, and upon one of
Clay's friends thanking him for doing so,
replied: voted for my party and its prin-
cples, not for Mr. Clay"
One of the few charges against Senator
Camden was that he furnished his party
money in the late canvas. Concede this
no man, friend or foe, has yet been found
that will make the direct charge that any
man was bought or that money in any way
| influenced his vote or action. Camden is a
liberal man, and | have no doubt he did
| contribute means to effect the organization
of his party in the late election. You can
no more run a political campaign without
money than you can a church, beneficial
or temperance society, or any other organi
cation.
The abuse of Federal patronage has been
charged and it is alleged Senator Camden
used his influence to have his friends APP
pointed to office. We'll, if he did, it was
but natural for him TO take care of his
friends. Has not Governor Wilson done
the same in making State appointments
and that of United States Senator? a third,
and | think the only other charge, Is that
Senator Camden has accumulated money.
If so, it was honestly done; who does not
want to do likewise2 The fact that man
has made money in fair and honest way
speaks well for his business capacity. Even
so stern a moralist as the eminent DR..
Johnson, declared that "a man is seldom
uIOIt luupNbubil CN bhhh NliNi hph-
estly engaged in the acquisition of money"
Experience and observation teach us
that, as a rule, it is well to beware of and
look out for the man or set of men, in poll
tics, church or state, who parade their hon
esty and preach that they are better and
purer than others.
The Constitution of the United States,
which is paramount to that of the State,
requires that the Legislature, if or when in
session, shall elect Senators. In my opin
ion, it is the duty of the Legislature, at the
coming extra session, to elect Senator,
and hope they will do so. If not, feel
confident from all published precedents,
and from the best information | can get
from eminent men well posted in such mat
tiers that the State will be represented by
but one Senator until the regular meeting
of the Legislature in 1889
II. G.. DAVIS.
Hon. Joseph H. Brady, a prominent
lawyer of Washington City, died on Sunday
last-aged 81 years, For many years he
was one of the most conspicuous members
of the District bar Referring to his ca
reer the Baltimore SIMS correspondent
says: